Quick-thinking Becky honoured by princess

A WORTHING teenager, who used her first aid skills to help a neighbour who had collapsed, was honoured at the St John Ambulance annual Young Achievers’ Reception.

Becky Goff, 15, a Davison High School student, was among more than 80 young people invited to the reception at Buckingham Palace on March 19, which acknowledged their hard work and commitment to the charity.

The event honoured St John Ambulance badgers, cadets, and young carers who have all made outstanding contributions during their time as young volunteers with the organisation.

Each young person was given the honour of meeting HRH The Princess Royal – who has the official title of Commandant in Chief, Youth for St John Ambulance – and had the opportunity to discuss their experiences as a volunteer during the reception.

Becky was nominated after administering first aid to her neighbour, who collapsed after a fit in December.

She said: “Her seven-year- old son ran into our house saying his mum was on the floor.

“I went to her and she was unconscious and fitting slightly, so once she had stopped I put her in the recovery position, checked for any blood with the light on my phone and checked for a pulse.

“My sister went off and called an ambulance. It was quite dramatic but my first aid training with St John Ambulance meant I knew what to do.

“I did not feel anything at the time although it was the first time I have used my training outside of the St John Ambulance club that I attend and for any duties to do with that.

“My neighbour’s son is very young so it must have been very scary for him as it was the first fit that she had ever had, but she is fine now and has since thanked me a lot.”

Becky, who wants to become a midwife or run her own nursery, said she had a great day at Buckingham Palace.

“I made lots of friends, even if I did not know any other people beforehand.

“Princess Anne was really nice and asked me lots of questions, which meant I was not nervous at all.

“I love doing the St John Ambulance club because it is a lot of fun, you get to meet people and learn new skills.”

Wendy Human, director of charitable initiatives and training at St John Ambulance, said: “These young people have all proven themselves as outstanding individuals. Becky has been an asset to her local community all year round and she fully deserved to be rewarded with this invitation.”

Davison community manager Tanya Roberts said: “Becky’s initiative and level-headedness was extremely noteworthy. We are proud of Becky and her commitment to support the community, she is a true representation of a Davison girl.”

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